It is impractical for us as a machine manufacturer to make recommendations on thickness of foundation walls, foundation floors, or foundation footings because of the great variation of soil conditions at the point of installation of our equipment.

Another reason for not making specific recommendations is the great variation in type of concrete mixes and the variation in uses of concrete reinforcing. As a guide for your general use, however, the table shown here gives a general classification of soils and the safe pressures, which they may support. These values approximate the pressures allowed by the building law in most cities. If there is any question relative to thickness of foundations, types of reinforcing, etc., we would suggest that you consult a local contractor who is acquainted with soil conditions in your locality.

General Foundation Specifications

As a general guide, the following should be used in determining a foundation:

1. If the soil on which the foundation is to be poured is of a hard clay type, the bearing capacity of that soil is approximately 4 to 5 tons per square foot.
2. The foundation should consist of reinforced concrete, rigid enough to support the press weight plus an allowance of approximately 100% to compensate for the dynamic forces of blanking. This condition requires that condition 1 (above) is met or exceeded.
3. It is suggested that a local contractor who is familiar with the area soil conditions be consulted.
4. For best results, the press should be mounted on an isolated inertia block so that vibrations are reduced to the surrounding building and equipment. The size of the inertia block is determined using conditions 1, 2, and 3 from above. It is suggested that the inertia block be separated from the surrounding floor by at least one inch of material such as insulation board or material which will give and take such things as vibration and expansion from temperature change.
5. Special care should be taken to provide a smooth, level mounting surface. Concrete alone does not usually provide a good enough surface. One method of providing an accurate mounting surface is to set a steel mounting plate the concrete when the foundation is poured. Anchor bolts to fix the press to the foundation should also be cast into the foundation.
6. The foundation should also be located away from the building foundation and any Ceiling supports by a distance of approximately 8 to 10 feet.